Public Art to Energize Farragut North Metrorail Station
Release Date: Saturday, April 18th 2009
Public Art to Energize Farragut North Metrorail Station
Washington, D.C. [April 18, 2008] –Metro riders will soon have a more creative and artistic commuting experience, as the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (Golden Triangle) has been awarded funding from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DC Arts Commission) for the creation of permanent public art at the Farragut North Metro station entrance at the northeast intersection of Connecticut and K Street, NW.
DC Arts Commission has awarded $25,000 for this project and an additional $50,000 in funds will be contributed by the Golden Triangle. The project, Pulse: Golden Triangle, a Neighborhood on the Move, is an element of a public realm and streetscape design program initiated by the Golden Triangle to revitalize the cityscape of the Connecticut Avenue corridor. Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is providing in-kind support for the project through its Art in Transit program.
“This Metro station is in the heart of the central business district,” said Leona Agouridis, Executive Director of the Golden Triangle. “Creating art at one of the most influential and well-known intersections in the world is a celebration of the contributions Metro has made to connect people to this area.”
Exit counts at the Farragut North Metro station are over 27,000 riders each weekday, which makes it the third busiest Metro station in the Metrorail system. A permanent art installation at the Farragut North station will mark the first Art in Transit project in the Golden Triangle.
“This project is designed to enhance the travel experience of Metro customers,” said Michael McBride of Metro’s Art in Transit program. “Public art at the entrance to the Farragut North station will not only help link Metro users to their surrounding neighborhood but also capture the spirit and vitality of the Golden Triangle area.”
“We are very pleased to be able to support this public art initiative,” said Anthony Gittens, Executive Director of DC Arts Commission. “Installing exciting artwork in Farragut North’s Metro station promotes our public transit system and enriches the cultural vitality of our city. We look forward to placing more work by local artists in the public realm.”
A call for artists for the project will be issued on Monday, April 21, with a deadline for submissions of noon on Thursday, May 15.
ABOUT WMATA’s ART IN TRANSIT PROGRAM
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority provides the National Capital area with safe and reliable public transportation. MetroArts, Metro's Art in Transit program, works with artists, community groups, government agencies and businesses to install artwork throughout the Metrorail system to make travel by Metro more attractive and inviting.
ABOUT DC COMMISSION ON THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES
DC Arts Commission provides grants, programs and education activities that encourage diverse artistic expressions and learning opportunities in the District of Columbia. It also promotes excellence in the arts by initiating and supporting programs, activities, and policies that inspire, nurture, and reflect the multi-ethnic character and cultural diversity of the District.
ABOUT THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE BID
The Golden Triangle BID is a private organization that works to enhance DC’s Central Business District from the White House to Dupont Circle and 16th Street, NW to 21st Street, NW. The BID’s primary focus is to provide a clean, safe and friendly environment within its 42 blocks of public space for area workers and visitors.
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